Read Online A DEAD RED MIRACLE: #5 in the Dead Red Mystery Series by R.P. Dahlke - Free Book Online

eyes if you expect to sleep."
    "I'm trying. I close my eyes, but I just can't seem to fall asleep."
    "It's the aftermath of a crisis. You've got all the wrong chemicals swirling around in your brain. But I have the cure for that," he said pulling me to him.
    I came willingly into his arms, knowing that making love with my husband was indeed the cure for what ailed me. Later, I dreamed of a large crow with bright black eyes circled overhead cawing… Geronimo .
     
    <><><><><>
     
    When I awoke, it was morning and in the distance a mated pair of crows circled and flew off. I reached across for Caleb only to find he had quietly slipped out of bed. I could smell coffee brewing, so I pulled his pillow under my head and watched the morning light spread across the valley below us. Taking inventory after last night's events I decided that in spite of the danger we'd faced with the mine collapse, we had been remarkably lucky.
    I loved this time of day. The air was crisp and clean from yesterday's rain and the foliage along the San Pedro, while still deep in shadow, glowed darkly green. The cottonwoods sheltered the river as well as a myriad of hummingbirds and the tiny crimson red flycatchers.
    I got up, but left the sleeping bags where they were in case I again found four walls too close for comfort. Then again, any excuse for another night under the stars wasn't a bad thing.
    Dad's friend was gone and last night's dishes were on the drying rack. Caleb was in the shower and my dad was snoring on the couch, a blanket drawn up under his chin. I poured two cups of coffee and waved one under his nose.
    He awoke with a snort, sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. "Huh? What time is it?"
    "Seven thirty."
    "It's late," he said, accepting the cup of coffee and throwing off the blanket, he grunted at his rumpled clothing. "Is the bathroom free?"
    "It is now," Caleb said, toweling his wet hair. The sight of the faded and tight jeans hanging low on his narrow hips never failed to impress me. Alone, I might be tempted to take him back to bed, but since my dad was here this morning it would have to wait.
    "Thanks," Dad said, handing me his cup as he passed for the bathroom.
    "What's your hurry? It's not Sunday, you don't go to church, or are you attending AA meetings now?"
    "Don’t be smart, missy. Wishbone's chapter of The Benevolent Society of Miners meets this morning," he said, shutting the bathroom door behind him.
    In another minute, he came out of the bathroom, hair slicked back, white stubble on his chin.
    "Don't you want…?" The door slammed before I could finish my question. "I guess he doesn't want breakfast," I said. "Or maybe the club holds their meetings at a donut shop."
    "What?" Caleb looked up from pouring his coffee.
    "Never mind. I'm starved. What's for breakfast?"

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    Chapter Ten:
     
     
    Last night, intent on getting uninterrupted sleep from well-meaning neighbors and nosy news people, Caleb had disconnected the landline and turned off my cell. Booting my cell up again, I saw multiple messages from Tucson television stations and one from Pearlie with the succinct message to call her immediately, if not sooner, as she had a break in the case.
    When Caleb passed me for the door, he stopped, turned around and came back to kiss me. I loved that he thought I needed an extra kiss, right up to the moment he whispered, "Try not to get in trouble today, will you?"
    When I was sure he was gone, I returned Pearlie's phone call, figuring by now she'd be burning a new hole in the ozone with her news.
    Instead, I got her voice mail. I left her a message and hung up, washed dishes, mopped floors, started a load of laundry and with a cup of tea sat down to watch the dryer gaily tumble our clothes dry. When my dad's jeep pulled into the driveway, I went outside to greet him.
    "That was quick. Did your benevolent miners deny you membership already?"
    My teasing stopped when I saw his face. "What's wrong?"
    He took me by the elbow and